Opinions expressed in news posts are those of individual businesses and not those of the Real Diaper Industry Association. RDIA members are welcome to send their news items to info@realdiaperindustry.org.

We recently signed a new lease to increase the size our our office/warehouse to 25,000 sq ft from the 15,000 sq ft we now occupy. The adjacent 10,000 sq ft in same building we already occupy will be available in October of 2014. We are already busting at the seams in our current warehouse due to increased volume and new products.

We appreciate the loyalty of our customers and the work you all do to educate and convert a growing percentage of families to cloth diapers. The cloth diaper business is more than a business, we are helping families save money as average family income declines in tough economic times. We are providing safe, comfortable and healthful products for a growing number of babies. We are providing a means for families to reduce their carbon foot print and helping create a cultural change away from the throw away lifestyle. In addition to being business owners we are part of a movement that is having an increasingly positive impact!

Together we can continue to grow our businesses and the market for cloth diapers. We at OsoCozy are proud to be part of this dynamic, earth friendly & family oriented industry!

Diaper Junction has reached the semi-finals in Monarch Bank's "Top Flight" Contest for $75,000. "If chosen to win the Top Flight Award, Diaper Junction hopes to increase brand presence in the marketplace and let consumers know there is a local cloth-diaper resource, which in turn will help keep consumer dollars in Hampton Roads and create more local jobs."

CHESAPEAKE, VA, March 14, 2013 – Monarch knows that small businesses are the backbone of America, and that’s no different here in Hampton Road. Monarch Bank, a subsidiary of Monarch Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNRK), today announced the three semifinalists of its “Top Flight” Award, a contest that will reward three growing business in Hampton Roads with prize packages totaling $75,000.

“Monarch Bank would like to thank all of the entrants for participating in and supporting year three of our ‘Top Flight’ Award,” said Brad Schwartz, CEO of Monarch Bank. “Since 2009, these local companies have collectively redefined a down economy, growing operating revenue an impressive $251 million and adding 830 new jobs to our economy. Hampton Roads is in good hands!”

An independent panel of judges reviewed all entries and selected the three “Top Flight” semifinalists. Now it’s up to the community to vote for their favorite semifinalist: Diaper Junction, Marathon Consulting, and Homeland Contracting Corporation; and help determine the $75,000 “Top Flight” Award prize package winners. The community (colleagues, friends and family) will vote for their favorite semifinalist between March 17 – April 30 through a text-to-vote, text MONARCH to cox411 (269411) and online MonarchBank.com poll survey. The “Top Flight” Award winners will be announced on May 9 at the Monarch Financial Holdings, Inc. annual shareholders’ meeting held at the Sandler Center for Performing Arts in Virginia Beach.

One $50,000 winner will be selected to receive: $10,000 cash from Monarch Bank; a professional business service package valued at $10,000 from accounting, tax and advisory firm Cherry Bekaert, LLP; a professional communications package valued at $10,000 from Cox Business; an advertising package, including the creation of a 30-second commercial and cable airtime, valued at $10,000 from Cox Media; and an advertising contract with Pilot Media valued at $10,000.

One $15,000 winner will be selected to receive: $5,000 cash from Monarch Bank; a professional business service package valued at $5,000 from accounting, tax and advisory firm Cherry Bekaert, LLP; and an advertising cable airtime package valued at $5,000 from Cox Media.

One $10,000 winner will be selected to receive: advertising cable airtime package valued at $5,000 from Cox Media and an advertising contract with Pilot Media valued at $5,000. Norfolk-based law firm Vandeventer Black is also sponsoring the three awards.

About Diaper Junction
Cloth-diapering mom, Bryana Guckin started Diaper Junction 10 years ago out of her home. Diaper Junction has grown from an Internet–based business with inventory stored in Guckin’s garage to a brick-and-mortar retail enterprise with warehouse facilities. Diaper Junction’s goal is to provide a one-stop-shop for greener diapering for your baby and to make cloth diapers accessible to all families, regardless of income. They have begun to develop Diaper Rite, their own brand of cloth diapers and accessories specifically created to provide best quality cloth diapers at a reasonable price. If chosen to win the Top Flight Award, Diaper Junction hopes to increase brand presence in the marketplace and let consumers know there is a local cloth-diaper resource, which in turn will help keep consumer dollars in Hampton Roads and create more local jobs.

Scottsdale, Ariz. March 1, 2013 – Evolution Diapers (http://evolutiondiapers.com) is proud to announce the approval of their second patent on their revolutionary, money-saving and eco-friendly cloth diapers.

Invented by a mom of seven who has changed over 1 million diapers, these diapers have been specially designed to be easy to use, easy to clean and durable.

Made from a revolutionary fabrics, super-absorbent hemp and a cool, stay dry interior, Evolution Diapers are unlike any others on the market. The patented CoolMax EcoMade interior is made from recycled bottles, and will keep your baby cool, dry, and with less diaper rash. The patented adjustable elastic feature allows the Evolution Diaper to be adjusted to comfortably fit children from 5 to 40 pounds.

The average child uses up to 12 diapers per day from birth to potty training for the average of 2 ½ years. Even at a very low price of $0.40 each, it will take less than two weeks to pay for a single Evolution diaper that will last until your baby is completely out of diapers. The money-saving benefits of the Evolution Diaper are phenomenal, and can increase when used for consecutive children.

After your child has been potty trained, you can even recycle and compost the Evolution Diapers, keep waste out of landfills.

What are the benefits of Evolution Diapers versus disposables?

30 barrels of oil not used

5 whole trees saved

$3000 in savings from birth to potty-training (approximate)

Hundreds of trips to the store saved

Hundreds of pounds of packaging not used

The cost savings on cloth diapers alone can make this simple decision one of the best ideas for parents who are looking to cut expenses in their budget during times of tax hikes and pay cuts.

Save your money, save the planet and make diapering easy. Join the Diaper Revolution! See their website at http://evolutiondiapers.com or call them at 480-540-9586.

Changin' Time (Diaper Service)Member since 22 August 2011Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Changin' Time Laundry Services Grand Opening

PITTSBURGH, PA. - On December 15th, 2012, Changin' Time Laundry Services will celebrate its grand opening at 405 W. Eighth Ave. in West Homestead's historic main street corridor. Changin' Time started in February 2012 as a home-based cloth diaper and laundry delivery service. Changin' Time's newest expansion will provide customers with eco-friendly self-service laundry equipment or the option to drop-off laundry for wash and fold service. In 2013, Changin' Time hopes to unveil a passive greywater system that will treat the facility's wastewater. This new branding shows a continued commitment to sustainability, natural parenting, and community integrity.

CAMDEN, MAINE, November 6, 2012 - Clean Bee Laundry hosts a laundry intensive on Thursday, November 8, 5:00-6:30PM. Laundry Intensive is an ongoing series of educational events sponsored by Clean Bee Laundry with a focus on garment care and the environment.

Try LooHoo locally made, felted wool dryer balls in a Clean Bee dryer to help separate clothes. Using several in your dryer creates a constant motion that allows for more air to circulate around your wet laundry so your clothes will dry faster and you can reduce your dry time by 10-25%, conserving energy and saving time. They also help to naturally soften your clothes. Since they contain no harmful chemicals, they are ideal to use with all your laundry, including delicate garments such as baby clothes and cloth diapers. Cyndi Prince, LooHoo's owner and founder, will also be on hand to provide information and answer any questions.

Vernon, CA - September, 10 2012 - Geffen Baby's hemp/organic cotton cloth diapers and accessories are made in the U.S.A, from start to finish, including knitting, cutting and sewing. The company has launched an all new website featuring secure online shopping and wholesale applications.

Products include universal cloth diaper inserts, prefolds, wipes and nursing pads. Families have been delighted with the absorbency and softness of the products. "They kept his skin dry and absorbed everything," exclaimed a Mom. "I am normally not a fan of prefolds but I love these," she continued.

Geffen Baby's products are available for purchase on their website and through many retailers. Visit their website today for product information, or to inquire about becoming a retailer or distributor.

Geffen Baby is a domestic manufacturer of cloth diapers and accessories located in the Los Angeles California area. Their fabric has the highest hemp content in the industry, offering superior absorbency.

Lexington, KY – May 8, 2012 - When Lexington resident Melody Blauser and her husband, Leland, had their daughter last spring, the health of their newborn as well as the environment were first on their minds.

“We discovered cloth diapers, which have made all the difference in the world,” Melody Blauser said. “And we really wanted to give other Central Kentuckians that opportunity.”

And so the catchy Fresh Fannies was born. Fresh Fannies Diaper Service picks up dirty cloth diapers and drops off clean cloth diapers to your home, work or daycare, so your little one “always has a fresh fanny,” according to the website.

As Melody finishes her MBA at the University of Kentucky, grows her new business and retains a full-time job, she has certainly gained perspective and strengthened her support of local business.

I think it is important to keep things local to preserve the tradition of community,” she said. “It is a reflection of the ‘good ole’ days’ when transactions were about more than just material goods.”

St. Louis diaper service saves over one million diapers from landfills

Saint Louis, MO – March 6, 2011 – Baby Care Diaper Service, a St. Louis-based diaper delivery service, has washed its one millionth diaper since coming under new ownership in 2006. Disposable diapers are the third highest contributor to landfills and every diaper washed, dried and delivered by Baby Care keeps a disposable diaper from harming our environment.

Owners Kathy and Mark Huntebrinker are dedicated to educating the community about the benefits and cost-savings of cloth diapering.

“It is exciting to know that we have helped keep over one million disposable diapers out of landfills,” says Kathy Huntebrinker. “According to the Real Diaper Association, it is estimated that over 28 billion disposable diapers enter our landfills every year. We are thrilled that so many St. Louisans have embraced cloth diapering and are happy to be part of a movement to keep our planet healthy for our children and future generations. Even the smallest everyday choices can make a huge impact.”

The Huntebrinkers’ dedication to the environment factors into every choice they make to manage the business. Not only is cloth diapering more environmentally friendly, the entire Baby Care process is managed with environmental consideration. Baby Care is part of Ameren’s Pure Power program that allows businesses to buy energy credits to offset their usage. The company conserves water by using a high-efficiency hot water heater and washers with “rinse save” technology, sorts diapers based on soil levels to conserve water and energy, and conserves energy by using the most efficient delivery routes. Baby Care operates within the standards of the Real Diaper Industry Association and uses a trusted detergent company that is phosphate, dye and perfume free.

“With over 90 percent of disposable diapers ending up in landfills, even part-time use of cloth diapers makes an astounding impact on landfill waste. Baby Care is committed to educating parents about the benefits of cloth diapers and how easy they are to use so they at least consider cloth diapering. We work with local like-minded businesses on community-wide education initiatives and we offer workshops and in-home demos. So many people think of the pins and the mess associated with old cloth diapering systems which is no longer the case,” says Huntebrinker.

Baby Care makes cloth diapering easy with convenient pick up of dirty diapers and drop off of clean diapers once a week. The Huntebrinkers are working hard to keep cloth diapering affordable for families with their Wraps for Life program which gives parents the option to “rent” diaper covers at each age and stage to keep their investment costs low and make cloth diapering work for them.

“For many of our customers, cost is one of the least important factors when comparing cloth to disposables,” says Huntebrinker. “But, surprisingly, using a cloth diaper service can end up costing less in the long run. The weekly price is comparable to paper diapers and is cheaper than other popular on-the-go systems. When you take into account that many cloth diapered babies end up potty training about one year earlier, the savings is substantial over the diaper lifetime of a child. Plus, the best part about Baby Care is that we make it even more convenient - you get the convenience of having clean diapers delivered to your doorstep and don’t have to worry about that late-night diaper run.”

Baby Care Diaper continues to show steady growth and has recently expanded their delivery service area into Illinois and more of St. Louis and St. Charles counties. In early 2011 Baby Care developed warehouse facilities in Maryland Heights and now washes and dries all of their own diapers, allowing them to conserve energy and the use of materials. This also allows Baby Care Diaper to offer special services like “Deep Cleaning” service for those that wash their own diapers to give them a nice deep clean. The home delivery service is hoping to add jobs this year and is available in Missouri as far west as O’Fallon, as far north as Florissant, as far south as Oakville, and now as far east as many areas in Illinois.

About Baby Care Diaper Service

Baby Care Diaper Service is the St. Louis and Illinois cloth diaper service, delivering clean cloth diapers right to your door. Baby Care strives to educate parents about the environmental, health, and cost advantages of cloth diapering. Baby Care Diaper has been around over 20 years, and they continue to offer affordable service to St. Louis and parts of Illinois and education to parents with community partners. To learn more about Baby Care Diaper Service, please visit www.babycarediaper.com or call 314-732-7009.

HOLLYWOOD, California, February 22, 2012 - Eco Nuts, an environmentally friendly cleaning product company has been invited to promote its award winning wares at the Boom Boom Room, the number one gifting suite at the Academy Awards. The Boom Boom Room promotes only top quality products to celebrity A-list parents for their babies and toddlers.

Jayneoni Moore, a celebrity guru, and host of the Boom Boom Room, handpicked Eco Nuts for this Oscar gifting suite due to the company's hands on service, ecologically friendly products and popularity with celebrities and the Hollywood elite.

Among the favorites of the Eco Nuts' product line are its certified organic and award winning branded soap nuts and its highly concentrated liquid laundry soap made from soapberry extract. Eco Nuts' soap nuts – literally a berry that grows on a tree -- is beloved by the A-list crowd and parents everywhere as a natural, economical, and non-toxic method of doing their laundry and keeping their fitness gear clean both on set and at home.

Eco Nuts has also gained favoritism among environmentally considerate celebrities for its pioneer use of alternatives to regular plastic packaging. "We're a green company they can feel good about using," said Scott Shields, company president and an actor who has appeared in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

These parents and other Eco Nuts fans are also thrilled at the idea of a detergent that does not leave any chemical residues so it is safe even if their children chew on their clothes, and also will not aggravate their sensitive skin. "We're one of the top growing baby and cloth diaper detergents on the market today," said Mona Weiss, an actress and co-owner of Eco Nuts, "We are excited about how well Eco Nuts have been embraced by both regular moms and celebrities alike."

About the Boom Boom Room: The Boom Boom Room is an exclusive event put on by Glamor Guru Jayneoni Moore. Jayneoni, a regular on MTV, VH1's The Fabulous Life of Celebrity Kids, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, MSNBC Hot List and CNN, is well known as a bonafide Kiddie-swag specialist for Hollywood celebrities. Jayneoni's signature Boom Boom Rooms are held at hush-hush Hollywood locations and showcase the must-have baby and children's products of the season. Jayneoni Moore has become known as the "Fairy Godmother" to many of the famous tots in Tinseltown.

About Eco Nuts:http://www.EcoNutsSoap.com

Eco Nuts is an award winning, clean-rinsing detergent embraced by parents for its effectiveness on cloth diapers and its gentleness on sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis. Eco Nuts Liquid Detergent and Eco NutsSoap Nuts contain no dyes, fragrances, fillers, enzymes or optical brighteners and are 100 percent SLS (sodium laurel sulfate) and phosphate-free. Eco Nuts is also the largest soap nut brand in North America with hundreds of stores and thousands of Facebook fans. Follow us on Twitter @EcoNuts and Facebook/EcoNuts